Colorado Expedition: Day Three

On the last day of our Colorado roadtrip, Anna and I decided to take the ultimate scenic route. But that’s getting too far ahead.

The drive from Montrose to Delta showed the beautiful streams and valleys of the Western Slope. Besides passing one of the longest trains of all time (it seriously was), the views of the mountains around us were spectacular. We drove through a few small towns before arriving in my all-time new favorite small town: Carbondale.

Let me first say: No. You may not live in Carbondale. I claimed it. It’s too adorable. From the little main street to the beautiful mountainous views, I claim it. So, that’s pretty much all you get to know about it.

After Carbondale, we drove up to our first major stopping point: Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness in Aspen, Colorado. The scene is incredibly picturesque and the hike is fairly challenging up to Crater Lake, and then nearly impossible after that. Quick piece of trivia: Maroon Peak is one of the most dangerous 14ers in Colorado. If you plan on summiting this beast, make sure to have a plan.

After our quick 2 hour hike around Maroon Bells, we drove into Aspen for lunch and walked around the swanky mountain town. Final verdict: Aspen is neat.

Then came one of the most adventurous legs of our trip. Independence Pass, part of the Top of the Rockies scenic byway, was exciting. First, the views as you climb to the roads summit are amazing. Incredibly panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys were breathtaking as we climbed to 12,095 feet—the highest paved road in North America. The second thing about this road is that it’s terrifying. Parts of the road involve blind curves AND a very, very narrow lane. And a long way down. It was, uh, well, an adventure.

On the other side of the Top of The Rockies byway, we drove through the sleepy town of Leadville, Colorado. Every city in Colorado is known for something, and this one’s special feature is being the highest incorporated township in the United States at 10,152 feet elevation.

And from there, it got pretty dark until we arrived back in Brighton, Colorado. The trip was better than I’d ever imagined, and I can’t wait to revisit parts of it again in the future.

What’s your favorite travel moment in Colorado?